Finding Balance in the Present Moment

December 11, 2024

3 min read

by Dan

Moments like these remind me of the power of presence and gratitude.

Staying Conscious

Living a life of balance can be a tricky journey. Over time, I’ve learned the profound effect of focusing on the present moment and the situation unfolding right in front of me. By combining this focus with the intention to find gratitude in the here and now, I’ve discovered how the ordinary can transform into the extraordinary. It is so easy, though, to slip away from the present—to ruminate on the past or worry about the future. The hardest part is simply becoming aware that my focus has wandered. Often, I only notice I’m not present when I become aware of a feeling or emotion creating a nagging sense of foreboding or worry. That’s when I consciously take these steps to bring myself back.

Taking Steps

First, I acknowledge that the emotions and feelings I’m experiencing are being created by my thoughts. I remind myself that my attention needs to return to the present moment, to what is unfolding before me.

Next, I take note of what I observe. What do I see, hear, taste, smell, and feel? I allow myself to tell a story about what’s happening, choosing one that evokes good feelings. After all, it is my story, and I have the power to shape it.

Finally, I consciously acknowledge the good fortune I have to be able to experience what I notice. This practice of gratitude, paired with observation, roots me in the present.

It’s surprising how quickly this process can transform my experience. Over time, I’ve found this strategy so effective that my subconscious mind has begun directing me to it automatically. It’s a skill worth practicing.

Here’s an example from my own life. Recently, I had been feeling a sense of impending loss and emptiness for a day or so. Perhaps I was anticipatingfriend’s imminent departure, grappling with the inevitability of aging, or reflecting on the uncertainties of the future. Whatever the reason, the feeling lingered, even as my logical mind explained that it was just my thoughts triggering the emotion. Despite understanding the cause, I hadn’t consciously tried to follow my steps to bring myself back to the present. It simply hadn’t occurred to me.

Example

Then, something remarkable happened. My subconscious stepped in. I had mindlessly heated up a piece of cornbread and sat down to eat it. As I began to eat, the vivid color of the plate caught my eye. I felt an appreciation for its richness and beauty. Next, I noticed the taste of the cornbread paired with date syrup—it seemed to expand and come alive on my palate. I took a sip of tea and became immersed in the experience. Without even looking across the table, I suddenly felt my friend’s presence as a radiant energy, like sunlight reaching me. In that moment, the sense of emptiness and loss disappeared. I felt deeply connected, fully present, and profoundly grateful. It was as though the experience took a deep breath for me, filling me with magic and wonder. In seconds, my perspective shifted entirely.

Moments like these remind me of the power of presence and gratitude. By tuning into the present, I can change my reality—not by altering the external circumstances, but by transforming the way I experience them. This journey isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most rewarding paths I’ve ever walked. The magic of the moment is always there, waiting to be noticed. All it takes is a willingness to pause, observe, and embrace it.

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